A senior sales executive typically has a strong sales management background, a proven track record of success in sales, and skills with executive leadership. It is vital that a senior sales executive is able to identify new markets or client prospects and also strengthen relationships with existing clients. A senior sales executive provides leadership to the sales team and fosters innovative solutions to market demands. They also must be capable of contributing to a sales team by staying educated on the products, competitors, and the market in general. Also, they need to be able to analyze and summarize sales-related data and translate that data into strategies that help the development of a product line or sales strategy. A senior sales executive generally must have a network of business contacts in mid- and senior-level management positions and a history of working with these individuals to meet business needs. Familiarity with sales tools and methods, customer relations, and product development are all important for a senior sales executive, as is a background of sales success.